Costa Blanca South 19 - 25 December 2024 Issue 2059
ALICANTE has con rmed its position as the 10th most populated city in Spain, with 358,720 residents according to the latest o cial population gures. This represents a growth of 9,438 people compared to the 2023 gure of 349,282 residents. With this increase, Alicante has surpassed Bilbao, which now has 348,089 inhabitants, positioning Alicante ahead in 10th place. The city remains above Bilbao, following Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which holds the ninth spot with 380,436 registered inhabitants.
Alicante’s population growth has been steady, mirroring the increase seen in 2023 when it recorded 349,282 residents. In 2022, the city had 338,577 inhabitants, marking over 20,000 additional residents in just two years.
Mayor Luis Barcala reinforced predictions that the population could surpass 500,000 by 2050, underscoring the city’s sustained development.
“A Growing Coastal Hub”
Since 2017, Alicante has experienced steady population growth, increasing from 329,988 residents to 358,720 in 2024. This growth re ects the city’s growing appeal as a key Mediterranean destination in Europe, contributing to its reputation as a desirable place to live and invest. Complementing the city’s demographic expansion, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport reported signi cant
growth in November 2024, handling 1,279,116 passengers, marking a substantial 19.6 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2023.
This surge in passenger numbers positions Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández as one of the fastest-growing airports in Spain. Aircraft operations also increased by 23
Alicante on the rise
per cent, with 8,566 movements, re ecting the highest growth rate among major airports in the country.
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández’s record-breaking performance contributed to the Aena network’s overall achievements, as November 2024 saw new passenger tra c records set at 21 airports, including Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández. The airport’s role as a cargo hub further strengthens its importance.
Cumulatively, up to November 2024, the airport handled 13,738,245 passengers, representing a 14.3 per cent increase over the same period in 2023. Aircraft movements totalled 83,276, re ecting a 10.2 per cent rise, while freight carried reached 51,528 tonnes, representing an 18.7 per cent increase yearover-year.
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport continues to play a crucial role in regional connectivity, further enhancing the city’s reputation as a key player in Spain’s growing aviation network.
Costa Blanca South • Issue No. 2059 • 19 - 25 Dec 2024
Image: Comunitat
Valenciana / Facebook
Lots of attractions for visitors all year round.
Kings Race
REGISTRATION is now open for the Kings Race 2025 in San Fulgencio.
The event will be held on Sunday January 5. The race features a 5K at course for adults, along with races for children. Visit http://bit.ly/carrerareyes25 to register and join the fun!
Toy collection
ORIHUELA Town Hall has launched a toy collection campaign that will run until January 2.
“It’s important to nurture and support the joy
children feel during this season,” confirmed the councillor for Youth, Anabel García. “The campaign aims to foster a spirit of solidarity in the community, ensuring that every child in Orihuela can experience the magic of Christmas.”
To make participation easy, drop-off points for toys have been set up at key locations around Orihuela, including La Lonja, the María Moliner Library, the Palacio
del Agua, and Casa Casinello. Residents can donate either new toys or used ones in good condition at these sites.
Casa will be sorted and disfamilies
The donated toys will be sorted and distributed to families living in the town, its districts, and Orihuela Costa.
Orihuela encouexpressed for gene-
The councillor encouraged residents to get involved and expressed gratitude for their generosity and for the volunteers who help make the campaign a success.
Christmas Eve fun
ORIHUELA will celebrate ‘Tarde Buena’ on December 24 on Calle Castellón from 4.00pm until 9.00pm.
The event will feature various DJs from Orihuela who will provide music throughout the afternoon.
The festive gathering is aimed at promoting leisure and music with the involvement of local bars and hospitality establishments.
Orihuela’s councillor for Youth, Anabel García.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela
IMAGINE - making a difference this Christmas
From
30 years of living within this incredible community and providing you with
As a family, let’s take a moment this Christmas to think about those around us who might be vulnerable - the elderly, the needy, and those struggling quietly in our community. For many, the season can be a lonely time, but we can change that together.
Imagine living in a foreign land and, for various reasons, not having a family, a home, or even a warm meal. Imagine being homeless, feeling unseen, and having no one in the world to care for you. This dark and lonely place is a reality for far too many people. But we can make a di erence.
So, let’s make this Christmas one to remember, not just for ourselves but for everyone around us. Prepare an extra plate of food for a neighbour, or invite them to join you at your table. Share not only your food but your love and your time. There is something truly magical about opening your heart and home, creating memories that will last long after the Christmas lights are taken down.
Let’s remember that Christmas isn’t about how much we give in material terms but how much we give of our-
warmth
2025 electricity price surge
VAT rise impacts households and businesses
SPANISH households and businesses are bracing for a sharp increase in electricity costs starting January 1, 2025. The return of VAT on electricity to 21 per cent will end three years of reduced rates introduced during the cost-of-living crisis. This marks a signicant shift after VAT was lowered to 10 per cent in 2021 and further reduced to 5 per cent in 2022. The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) has expressed concern, noting that other European countries like Portugal and Belgium maintain reduced VAT rates for electricity.
The nancial impact will be signi cant:
• Households: An average monthly increase of €5.42, amounting to €65 annually.
• Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: A monthly rise of €114, totalling €1,372 per year.
In addition to the VAT hike, changes to the social bonus will reduce discounts for
vulnerable consumers. Adustments will phase out extra support, leaving lower reductions:
• Vulnerable Consumers: From 50 per cent in January to 35 per cent by July.
•Severely Vulnerable Consumers: From 65 per cent in January to 50 per cent by July.
These measures will a ect approximately 1.8 million households, with projected nancing costs of €284.8 million in
To counter rising expenses, residents are encouraged to compare energy providers for better rates.
Services like Spanish Energy o er free price comparisons and assistance with paperwork.
Spain faces an uphill battle as electricity costs soar, pushing households and businesses to explore alternatives and reduce consumption.
selves. A simple act of kindness - sharing a meal, donating to a cause, or checking in on someone who might be lonely - can light up someone’s world in unimaginable ways.
‘And the world will live as one’.
Let’s set aside our di erences, extend a hand, and touch someone’s life with compassion, if only for one day. Imagine the ripple e ect of kindness, spreading warmth and hope where needed most. Together, we can bring more joy to the world, one thoughtful gesture at a time.
This season, let’s embrace the true spirit of Christmas by living John Lennon’s timeless dream: ‘To imagine all the people sharing the world’.
SPAIN is facing a growing labour market conundrum. Despite an unemployment rate of 11.2 per cent and over 2.5 million job seekers, the country has a record number of unfilled jobs. Experts warn that unless structural changes are made, this mismatch could harm Spain’s economy.
Spain’s job vacancies are projected to reach 153,000 by Q3 2024, a 4.3 per cent increase from the previous year. In 2023, the figure was 148,000, marking a 50 per cent rise since 2019. Despite this surge, Spain’s vacancy rate remains the lowest in the EU at 0.9 per cent, compared to the European average of 2.6 per cent.
Recruitment challenges are particularly severe in sectors like hospitality, transportation, and healthcare. Job shortages in these fields are threatening business operations and public services.
From all of us at Euro Weekly, thank you for being part of our family. We wish you peace, love, and a seasonlled with moments that truly matter.
High employment, yet record job vacancies light unimaginable ways.
Spain’s labour market paradox
Key reasons behind Spain’s vacancies include:
• Skills mismatches: Many jobseekers lack necessary qualifications.
• Unattractive roles: Jobs with low pay and tough conditions struggle to attract applicants.
• Demographic shifts: An ageing workforce means fewer younger workers entering demanding professions.
This shortage costs Spain’s economy billions. In 2023, unfilled positions were estimated to have cost €8 billion in lost GDP.
The Spanish government is implementing immigration reforms to address these gaps, aiming to bring 900,000 foreign workers into the workforce by 2026.
The challenge is clear: bridging the gap between unfilled jobs and available workers is crucial for Spain’s economic stability.
Lennon’s timeless dream: ‘To imagi-
Santa is coming
FATHER CHRISTMAS will make whistlestop tours across the Costa Blanca and Elche is top of his list. He’s taking a break from working hard at the North Pole to visit the city this coming Saturday December 21.
Spend the day with him, first by visiting his Elche based Grotto in Paseo de la Estación, directly next to their famous Christmas Market and the Municipal Park.
Where he will be available for visits anytime between 11am and 2pm.
Then enjoy Christmas adventures around Elche’s Market as you wait for the big event.
Because Santa will be on parade from 6pm in Elche city centre, it’s truly an unmissable event that takes over the city and the imagination.
Visit Elche said that this year, their parade “will immerse you in the Christ-
mas spirit of the city.”
Santa’s sleigh will set off from CEIP Francesc Cantó and makes its way through the streets lined with people.
To get ahead of the masses and find the best vantage point follow his route along Avenida de Novelda, Jorge Juan, Vicente Blasco Ibañez and finally Diagonal del Palau.
Santa Claus will be re-
ceiving the keys to the city from the mayor at the end of the parade.
Along the parade route there will also be skating shows and performances by dancers and well-known children’s characters.
For those with morning plans next Saturday Santa is also making a short visit to his grotto Friday December 20 from 5-9pm.
Toys for children
THE Alicante Motorcyclists’ Union League (LUMA) has once again launched their campaign to collect toys for underprivileged children, named ‘No Child Without a Toy’.
Celia Lastra, councillor for Social Action in Elche, explained that the campaign started five years ago with the goal of distributing toys to disadvantaged children on the Costa Blanca. Motorcyclists dressed as Santa Claus travel through various cities in Alicante Province, spreading holiday cheer.
More than a dozen biker clubs are involved in the campaign, including groups from Elche, Torrevieja, Elda, Benejuzar, Almoradí, Orihuela, and San Vicente,
such as the APM Ángeles Guardianes Provincial Delegation of Alicante and the Peña Motera Trotamundos de Elche.
In Elche, toy donations will be collected until December 20 at three locations: Bikers, Gastro Bar El Cid, and Motos Hermanos Valiente.
On December 20, over 100 bikers dressed as Santa Claus will ride through Elche and deliver the collected toys to the Elche Council at an event near the Altamira Palace.
The campaign includes eight motorbike rides throughout Alicante Province, and this year, some toys collected will be donated to children affected by the DANA floods in Valencia.
Santa will parade through the streets of Elche.
No Child Without a Toy campaign.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock Ron Adar
Image:
Ayuntamiento de Elche
Lotto lures
ASPE Town Hall would like to remind us that the safest way to buy Christmas Lottery tickets is from authorised establishments, such as Lottery Administrations.
If purchasing online, the safest option is through the official Loterías y Apuestas del Estado website loterias yapuestas.es.
Buying tickets from unauthorised places can expose you to scams, as counterfeit tickets often look similar to genuine ones but lack important verification elements like logos, codes, and the phrase ‘Fraccionamiento autorizado por Loterías y Apuestas del Estado’.
Phishing (via email), smishing (via SMS), or vishing (via phone calls) are cybercrime tactics where scammers pretend to be official entities like Loterías y Apuestas del Estado to
trick people into providing personal or banking information.
Always be wary of emails, messages, or calls claiming you’ve won a prize, especially if you didn’t enter the draw.
If you receive suspicious emails or messages, delete them immediately without clicking any links. Never share personal or banking information.
Winnings of less than €2,000 can be claimed from the point of sale the day after the draw. For prizes of €2,000 or more, you need to go to authorised financial institutions.
If you have purchased a share of a ticket, you’ll need to collect the prize from the individual or entity that sold you the share, as the sale of shares is considered a private agreement between individuals.
Nativity magic
ORIHUELA’S Municipal Nativity Scene is now open and welcoming visitors.
The nativity scene has been created by Carmen Luisa Cabrera, a renowned nativity scene maker, who has designed a setting inspired by a Hebrew village. The scene includes various representations featuring figures and decorative elements, highlighting key moments like the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
The nativity scene features 800 pieces, with 30 new additions from Malaga, Sevilla, and Barcelona. These include contributions from Hermanos Cerrada from Los Palacios and Juan Miguel de la Rosa from Dos Hermanas (Sevilla), Monserrat Rives from Barcelona, and Mari Ángeles Cámara from Callosa.
The nativity scene measures 7m x 15m and 0.80m high.
The display showcases key scenes like the Annunciation
to Mary, the marriage, the Virgin’s visit to Saint Elizabeth, the inn, the announcement to the shepherds, the slaughter of the innocents, the census, and the edict.
Additionally, it includes the nativity, the flight to Egypt, the Virgin resting, and the Three
Wise Men’s tent. The nativity scene is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10.00am to 2.00pm, and from 5.00pm to 9.00pm. On December 24, 25, 31, and January 1, 5, and 6, the opening hours will be from 10.00am to 2.00pm, and from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.
Zenia, Torrevieja, Quesada, La Marina and Elche
Zenia, Torrevieja, Quesada,
The nativity scene features 800 pieces.
PARTY the last day of 2024 away with live music, food and cider aplenty at the street party of the year.
Rojales Town Hall have organised an end of year party to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bang. It will be taking place Tuesday December 31, in the municipal marquee in Calle Malecón de la Encantá.
Make sure to get a cat nap in during the day because the street party is set to start at 11.30pm and with music from the band La Hornet and DJ Paco Fuentes it is set to be a great night.
Tickets are already on sale for just €12 per adult and €6 per child with refreshments included.
With an adult ticket attendees receive a packet of 12 traditional lucky grapes to eat as the clock counts down the last seconds of 2024.
Adult ticket holders also gain access to areas
with music and zones for dancing, plus a celebratory glass of cider. Children’s tickets also include lucky grapes, the same access to zones for dancing and music and a soft drink. There is still the possibility of combining multiple ticketed events into one sum for both adults and children.
You can buy combined tickets for The Rojales Christmas Eve party, Roscón party and New Year’s Eve party for adults: €28 and children: €14. Tickets are already on sale and there is still time to buy them from the information office at the town hall or they can be bought in person on the day itself.
New Year’s Eve Street Party Exceeding expectations
THE 18th Euromarina Optimist Trophy Torrevieja 2025, scheduled from January 30 to February 2, has exceeded expectations, with 423 participants from 29 countries as registration closes.
This year, the event has seen a notable increase both in the number of sailors and participating nations. Poland leads with the highest representation (49 sailors), followed by the Netherlands and Turkey, each with 20 sailors. Germany will be represented by 11 sailors, while the United States sends 10 competitors.
Additionally, sailors from countries like Singapore (two), Tajikistan (one), Hong Kong (four), Ukraine (two), China (one), Estonia (two), and Hungary (one)
will also be attending.
Spain, as the host country, will have sailors from eight Spanish regions competing in the 18th Euromarina Optimist Trophy in Torrevieja. A total of 211 participants will come from regions such as Galicia, the Basque Country, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community, Murcia, Andalucia, and the Canary Islands, representing 36 nautical clubs across Spain.
In terms of the competition format, 12 races are planned over the four days of the event. The first race on Thursday, January 30, will begin at 10.00am, with the same schedule for the following days, unless there are any modifications.
Enjoy the party with music, food and cider.
The event lasts four days.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock fornStudio
Image: Real Club Náutico Torrevieja
Repatriation for Robyn
ROBYN, daughter of Anthony and Karen Sumner, made a pre-Christmas trip from the UK to see her parents and the family reunited and spent a lovely time together. However, the day before she was due to fly home, they found her collapsed in the bedroom and had to rush her to hospital. Out of nowhere, Robyn, just 34, had suffered a major stroke that then led to a brain haemorrhage. Worst was to come, though, as while recovering from the surgery, she had a second, far more serious brain haemorrhage, and Anthony and Karen found themselves having to give consent to life-saving surgery that would leave their daughter with brain damage.
Unfortunately, Robyn, like so many other people who make short trips, did not envisage needing extensive travel
insurance, so she visited her parents on a GHIC Card, which she thought
Credit: Anthony Sumner
would suffice. As things currently stand, Robyn does not have sufficient
cover to get the rehabilitative brain treatment that she so desperately needs in Spain. Therefore, her family urgently need to get her repatriated to Macclesfield, where she lives in the UK. They have been in touch with UK Social Services, and bed-to-bed specialised repatriation will cost in the region of €12,500, and this is money they simply do not have.
Therefore, with the help of their nephew, her parents have set up a JustGiving page in the hope that the generosity of others will get their daughter the support she needs which will be covered under the UK National Health Service. As of writing, they have managed to raise €8,000.
If you want to support Robyn and her family, please visit www. justgiving.com and add ‘Stephen Sumner’ to the search bar.
Help Robyn’s parents repatriate their daughter to the UK.
THE ADAPT Theatre Group are taking a well-deserved break fo -
llowing the fourth and final performance of this year’s pantomime, Snow White and the 7 Guiris. The group’s members, though exhausted, are very happy with the suc cess of the production.
The usual last-minute panics have now beco me entertaining anecdo tes, adding to 14 years of memorable stories and triumphs. The week af ter the final performan ce, pantomime producer
Eric Berg and scriptwriter Jane Cronin joined the staff and students of AFEMAR for a Christmas lunch. During the event, they proudly presented a cheque for €2,000 raised through the pantomime. AFEMAR is an associa-
Panto perfection Christmas services
ple, and various projects and seminars aimed at fostering integration and mutual understanding. More information about AFEMAR can be found on their website: afemar. org . As the curtain falls on this year’s production, ADAPT Theatre Group is already recharging for next year’s spectacular. Those interested in getting involved, whether on stage or behind the scenes, are encouraged to ericberg2@ (+34)
THE Church of England Chaplaincy of Ss Peter and Paul, Torrevieja, will be celebrating the Nativity of Christ this Christmas with a number of special services in English.
Speaking about the Christmas worship schedule, Father Richard A Seabrook confirmed: “Christmas is celebrated in a whole variety of ways, but there is only one event at its centre, the yearly memorial of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. That is at the heart of the Christmas message.”
The English Chaplaincy will have four special services. The first is a traditional Nine Lessons and Carols on Thursday, December 19 at 6.00pm at La Siesta Church, Calle Granados, Urb.
La Siesta, Torrevieja. Masses are as follows: Christmas Eve on December 24 at 5.00pm at Lago Jardín Church, opposite the Dña Monse Hotel, Urb. Lago Jardín, Torrevieja. A second service on Christmas Eve will take place at 11.30pm at La Siesta Church, Calle Granados, Urb. La Siesta, Torrevieja.
On Christmas Day, a service will be held at 10.30am at La Siesta Church.
“Everyone is invited to our services to come and rejoice in the Saviour’s birth and the message of peace and hope his Nativity still brings to our troubled world today,” concluded Father Seabrook, “and I would like to wish everyone a very Happy, Joyful, Peaceful, and Blessed Christmas.”
ADAPT Theatre Group making their donation to AFEMAR.
Image: ADAPT Theatre Group
Image: The Church of England Chaplaincy of Ss Peter and Paul, Torrevieja / Facebook
A New Year’s Resolution
RESIDENTS in Torrevieja are being given an opportunity to enhance or start learning Spanish in the New Year.
The councillor for Education and the mayor of International Residents have joined forces to bring Spanish proficiency classes to people in the area.
International residents can improve their Spanish fluency by signing up any time until December 30 for the course which will start in January.
They can register in person at the PROP offices, Torrevieja or visit the SEDE electronic system online to sign up without the hassle of leaving the house.
There are going to be six groups of students with no more than 15 people per group and attendees can expect 32 hours of training over an eight-week period.
Classes will be given
Start learning Spanish in the New Year.
over three time slots, 9-11am, 12-2pm and 4-6pm to allow for as many people as possible to find a suitable time. Although there will be no official certification at the end of the courses, the town hall say that the course will help learners by ‘providing a solid linguistic foundation’.
They have said that courses will cover multiple learning levels
from beginner to intermediate and provide “linguistic skills for the development of the daily life of the thousands of international residents who reside in our city.”
The only condition for entry to the course is to be a registered international resident in Torrevieja.
The course will be given at the Be Magic Academy in Torrevieja.
ON Friday, December 20 at 6.00pm, don’t miss the Santa Claus Parade, which will fill Orihuela Costa full of Christmas cheer.
The parade will begin on Calle Nicolás de Bussi and continue, spreading Christmas magic, until reaching the Plaza Mayor stage at Zenia Boulevard.
Christmas cheer
Enjoy festive floats, music, bright lights, and, of course, the arrival of Santa Claus himself.
At the end of the parade, head to Plaza Mayor at Zenia Boulevard for hot chocolate and panettones (mini cakes) which are free for all attendees!
Essential expansion
Alicante-Elche airport has reached record numbers.
A cold day’s fishing
IT seemed appropriate that Carp-R-Us started their Winter Series on what was probably the coldest morning for many months, only 5°C when the draw was made. This sudden drop in temperature together with cold rain the day before made for a day when bites were probably going to be at a premium. And so it proved to be for most.
The match was won by Steve Fell, who made the most of the end peg 10 to weight in 7.48kg of carp and barbel caught on pole and punched bread. He finished well clear of Trevor Morrey who had 2.12kg from peg 9 using the same tactics. Third on peg 7 was Willy Moons with 1.44kg (feeder and corn) and Jeremy Fardoe switched between pole and feeder to winkle out 0.74kg from peg 4. It was very noticeable that weights increased the further downstream you went, perhaps because the water was slightly deeper there.
Information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com.
THE regional minister for Innovation, Industry, Trade, and Tourism, Marián Cano, described the expansion of Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport as “essential,” especially after the airport reached “record numbers” again in November.
The minister called on the Spanish government to prioritise urgent expansion efforts. “As studies from the chambers of commerce have pointed out, we need investments to help the Valencian Community compete with other destinations.”
Cano stressed that expanding Alicante-Elche Airport isn’t enough - there must also be a rail connection with the airport. “We’re the only medium-sized airport in Europe without a railway connection, and that has to change,” the minister emphasised.
“The airport figures make such a connection essential.”
The minister also noted the strong performance of the tourism sector, highlighting a 16.3 per cent increase in foreign tourists to the Valencian Community through October, with over 10 million visitors. Foreign tourist spending reached €13,477.7 million representing a 23.1 per cent growth.
Lord of the Rings
CALLING all film buffs and book worms, The Lord of the Rings concert is coming to a theatre near you.
Looking for a night out to keep the post-Christmas blues at bay? Then this remarkable performance might just be the cure.
The Valencia Tribute Orchestra are performing the Howard Shore soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings at the Capitol Theatre in Rojales on Friday December 27.
During the performance, more than 60 musicians will take to the stage and play the renowned score whilst onlookers view key scenes from the original trilogy of films.
It is promising to be the perfect event for fans of J R R Tolkien’s book series and the Peter Jackson films by combining symphonic elements with movie segments.
This is the final and
15th performance of this symphonic tribute in 2024 and the Orchestra have said they plan on finishing the year in style.
The Valencia Tribute Orchestra have said that those visiting the show will have “a magical and epic experience that will close the year in the best way.”
They have had multiple sold out shows since August when the Orchestra
first began performing the Lord of the Rings and so get in quick to buy your tickets.
The show begins in the Capitol Theatre at 8pm and you can buy tickets from €30 right now online via Whimsy Plans.
The Valencian Tribute Orchestra have various short videos of the performance on their Facebook - Valencian Tribute Orchestra.
Concert coming to a theatre near you.
Photo Credit: Pexels Cottonbro
Paying your bills in Spain
DIRECT debits are the common way to pay utility bills in Spain. Upon signing the contract with a utility company, you will also sign a direct debit mandate. Direct debits are simple and convenient and require minimal input from the customer, ensuring that bills are always paid on time.
While setting up direct debits in Spain is fairly simple there will be utility companies which only accept payments from Spanish IBAN accounts so a Spanish account is often required. Bueno was the first non-bank in Spain to offer Spanish IBAN accounts with the same functionality as Spanish banks, offering foreign property owners an alternative to Spanish high-street banks.
Switching your direct debit from one bank to another
In Spain there is no Account Switch Service Guarantee, updating payment accounts can become complicated when switching banks. Most banks
will offer a switch service, often claiming it will be 100 per cent digital and only take minutes. The reality is that many utility companies have manual processes and an automated approach will often fail. In fact, it’s one of the reasons people don’t change banks, even if the benefits are much
Some service providers may allow the customer to change payment details on their online platform but many others require a lot more effort on the customer’s part. At Bueno, however, our goal is to simplify property ban-
king - including paying utility bills and switching over direct debits. We understand that different processes and languages can cause confusion and easily become time-consuming. That’s why we offer a dedicated service designed to help you easily transfer your direct debits to a Bueno account. You’ll work with one of our multilingual consultants who will happily make the switch for you or guide you through the process. They’ll need a couple of pieces of information, including your customer reference numbers, and will contact the service provider on your behalf. In the case that the service provider requires the customer to make the change, they’ll guide you through the process.
At Bueno, your money is always secure. Our services are powered by SEFIDE EDE SLU, a trusted electronic money institution authorised by the Bank of Spain (Reference: 6705).
greater elsewhere.
Bueno makes switching easy
Christmas shopping trends
EXPENSES go through the roof in December and January. One of the most exciting times begins for some, but also dreaded by others due to the economic outlay it implies.
One in three shoppers in Spain will fork out the same or less this Christmas compared to the festive season in 2023. Sixty-five per cent are expected to cross-check for offers online and then promotions in traditional high street shops.
According to survey figures by Chollometro, Amazon is their first place to check out prices, followed by El Corte Inglés.
The research reveals that the gift choices of nine out of 10 shoppers will be influenced by special offers, and almost everyone surveyed responded that Amazon and El Corte Inglés are the online stores they think of first, followed by Miravia, Temu and eBay.
Online shopping, in Europe, online appears to be growing. In techwary Germany (where four out of five companies still use faxes), online sales are on the increase, and the German consumer is beginning to trust Chinese products more than ever before.
Ecommerce associations in Denmark, Finland, and Germany have indicated that Chinese online platforms
like Temu, which sells products such as smart watches for €15, are increasing competition for local retailers.
A spokesperson for Temu said it takes compliance with local laws and regulations seriously and is committed to supporting local businesses, inviting manufacturers from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain to sell via its platform.
Comparing online prices with street retail.
Credit: Freepik
Finns lose pensions
FINNISH pensioners who live outside of the country, were warned in October 2024 that the government was considering sweeping changes in order to save money.
Now Parliament has approved a measure which takes effect from February 1, 2025 whereby it will stop the payment of national pensions to recipients living outside Finland in EU and EEA countries, Switzerland, and the UK.
Apart from saving money (estimated at a not overly large €38 million) the intention is to reward pensioners who live in Finland rather than those who have chosen to live elsewhere in Europe (many of whom have chosen to settle in the warmer climate of Spain).
At first thought, it would seem somewhat askance with the European Union concept of in-
clusivity but in fact, there is precedence as a 2017 decision by the EU Court of Justice, led Sweden to stop paying its guarantee pensions to residents abroad
It is estimated that there are some 20,000 Finnish pensioners living in the areas announced but for about 75 per cent, they will experience a loss of less than €200 per month although for the other 25 per cent the loss will be greater.
Another change will affect access to free health benefits and if the national pension is a person’s only Finnish benefit, Finland will no longer cover their medical treatment costs whilst abroad. Even those who have previously worked in any of the areas which will see pensions removed and have since returned to live in Finland will see their pensions recalculated to take their absence into account.
Enjoying retirement abroad could cost a little more.
Do you prefer a COLD or a WARM Christmas? Your
“I hate the cold [...] For me sun and warmth, all year round.” Edith Farminer agrees, but points out that “it does not feel as much like Christmas as in northern countries.”
WHEN you think of the Christmas period, it probably brings to mind memories of sitting indoors away from the frosty weather outside, sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine, enjoying a big roast dinner and feeling cosy by the fireplace. However, for people in many parts of the world, this isn’t the case.
Montserrat Llois Llevot also associates Christmas with the cold, sharing a memory of when she once celebrated a warm beach Christmas in Florida, and adding that “it didn’t feel like Xmas to me.”
While many readers think that a warm Christmas is the best, such as Juda Cats, Janet Howell, and Bridget White , others like Peter Vera Marsen and Carole Penman argue that warm or cold is not as important as dry weather, as the rain can put a damper on the celebrations.
In Spain, while temperatures don’t drop too low, we can still experience some chilly and rainy weather just enough to enjoy the traditional cosy feeling that Christmas usually brings. On the other hand, if you live anywhere on the southern hemisphere such as in Australia or New Zealand, Christmas is a summer holiday and traditions include barbecues, fireworks and trips to the beach. With these very different experiences in mind, we’re curious about your holiday preferences. Do you prefer cold Christmas with warm jumpers, hot drinks, and a festive winter atmosphere? Or do you prefer outdoor celebrations, beach trips and summer festivities? We asked our Euro Weekly News readers for their thoughts. Judith Dominique Wolfenegg opts for warm Christmas, sharing
In conclusion, while it seems that a majority of Euro Weekly readers would choose warm weather for their holiday celebrations, a common theme is that wintery weather is the key to creating that warm, festive feeling. At the end of the day, whatever your preference is, the thing that makes Christmas so special is spending time with family and honouring your Christmas traditions, no matter the weather.
CHRISTMAS IS A SPECIAL TIME NO MATTER THE WEATHER.
Creating history
ANGÉLIQUE ANGRANI-FILOPON, Miss Martinique 2024, became the oldest Miss France winner at 34, marking a groundbreaking moment in the pageant’s history.
This year’s competition removed the upper age limit, allowing Angarni-Filopon to claim the crown. Broadcast live from the Futuroscope in Poitiers on TF1, the air hostess and former Miss Martinique 2011 contestant expressed her gratitude: “I promised the people of Martinique that we would achieve this together, and we did. Thank you!”
She succeeded Eve Gilles, Miss France 2024, with her runners-up including:
• Sabah Aïb, Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais 2024 (18 years old)
• Stella Vangioni, Miss Corse 2024 (27 years old)
• Moïra André, Miss Guadeloupe 2024 (27
years old)
• Lilou Emeline-Artuso, Miss Côte d’Azur 2024 (21 years old)
This year’s event featured 30 contestants aged 18 to 34, showcasing a diverse and inclusive lineup. Angarni-Filopon remarked, “In 2011, a 20-year-old woman stood as first runner-up in Miss Martinique. Today, at 34, that same woman is here, representing not just Martinique but also all the women who’ve been told it’s too late.”
The competition’s evolution was evident, with even a 52-year-old participant entering at the regional level. An all-female jury, led by Sylvie Vartan, included notable figures like Cristina Cordula, Marie-José Pérec, and Fauve Hautot.
Despite feminist criticism labelling the event outdated, Angarni-Filopon’s win signals a shift toward inclusivity. Her victory celebrates women of all ages, marking a new era for Miss France.
Being crowned the oldest Miss France at the pageant.
NEWS Travel
MERIDA - Combines history with modern charm
with Hispavan Campers
MERIDA, located in the heart of Extremadura region of Spain, is a beautiful city which combines ancient history with modern charm. Once the largest Roman town in Iberia, it is home to more fascinating Roman sights than any other area in the country, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage site. The Guadiana river flows right through the city, creating a stunning backdrop to its picturesque streets.
Renting a campervan from Hispavan Campers is the ideal way to experience all that Merida has to offer, allowing you to explore this historic city at your own pace.
Explore the ancient ruins
Merida is renowned for its well-preserved Roman architecture. Highlights include the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, which are among the best-preserved Roman ruins in Spain. They still host events and performances, so if you visit in summer, make sure to check out the Festival of Classical Theatre. Alternatively, you can take a walk along the Guadiana river and have a picnic by the magnificent Roman bridge.
Stroll through the historic centre
Merida has many dedicated campervan parking areas, including one near the city centre. Why not drive down and take a leisurely walk around, and experience the city’s stunning ar-
chitecture. There are many sights to see, including the main square, ‘Plaza de España’, which has lots of bars and restaurants to sample the local cuisine. You could also visit the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortification which offers excellent views over the city and river.
Explore Merida with Hispavan Travelling with a campervan from Hispavan is the best way to explore Merida, as it offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Their fully equipped campervans provide all the comforts of home while on the roadthis means you can travel at your own pace and easily reach all of the attractions that you want to see, or venture off the beaten path and discover some hidden gems. With Hispavan you’re not tied to hotel bookings or schedules, so you can explore at your ease.
SUMMARY
There are endless things to do in Merida. Whether you prefer walking along the river bank, visiting museums and Roman ruins, or even enjoying a tapa and a drink in the centre of the city, there is something for everyone. With Hispavan, you can explore Merida for yourself, and immerse yourself in all that the city has to offer.
It Takes Two
ENJOY a toe-tapping evening of fun at Happy Days Too in Rojales with It Takes Two duo on December 21.
Food will be served from 5.00pm until 7.00pm, with the entertainment kicking off at
7.30pm. Reservations are recommended. To book your table, visit Happy Days Too at Calle Ágata, 03170 Benimar II, or contact via call or WhatsApp on (+34) 711 040 914.
Festive fun
ENJOY some festive fun at El Cortijo Paredon in Pinoso this December.
On Saturday, December 21, starting at 8.00pm, guests are invited to join in a Christmas Karaoke and Disco hosted by DJ Gez. Sing along to your favourite tunes while enjoying mulled wine and mince pies.
On Christmas Eve, December 24, also beginning at 8.00pm, El
Cortijo Paredon welcomes Georgia Baie, who will entertain you with an evening of Funk, Soul, Motown and Disco. You can also enjoy some festive treats such as mince pies and mulled wine. Both events will take place at El Cortijo Paredon, located at Carretera Yecla, Paredon 5, 03657 Pinoso. Due to high demand, reservations are recommended, call (+34) 965 648 108 to secure your seat.
Lorna live
LORNA MICHELLE will be singing all your favourite tunes live on Sunday, December 22 starting at 4.00pm at Edinas Bar & Grill.
Lorna will be performing the most popular hits from the past to the present day and is guaranteed to get you on your feet dancing!
Edinas Bar & Grill is located at Avenida Antonio Quesada 59 local 11, Rojales. For more information call (+34) 691 984 103.
Image: Georgia Baie / Facebook
Image: Paul Randall / Facebook
EU Supermarket shock
FARMERS across Europe are in open revolt, threatening to block supermarket deliveries and leave shelves bare over a contentious free trade deal struck by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The deal with Mercosur, a South American trading bloc, has sparked outrage as it threatens to flood the EU market with cheap beef and poultry, putting Europe’s farmers at risk of being priced out of their livelihoods.
Tractors rumbled into action in France, with angry farmers dumping manure and tyres on the streets of Dijon in a fiery protest against what they’re calling a death sentence for EU agriculture. The scene, which reeked of frustration and fertiliser, could be a taste of things to come as militant farmers across Europe
vow to escalate their fight.
The trade agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia - known as the Mercosur deal - took 25 years of negotiations to finalise. But von der Leyen swooped in to seal the deal during France’s domestic political chaos, a bold but risky move as her second term as EU chief begins. The deal still needs the approval of EU governments and the European Parliament, where opposition is growing louder by the day.
EU leaders face mounting pressure to veto the deal, with France, Ireland, Poland, Italy, and Austria leading the opposition. But with backers like Germany and Spain pushing for ratification, this is shaping up to be a bitter fight to the finish.
Farmers across Europe are in open revolt, threatening to block supermarket deliveries.
125 nativity scenes
RUNNING until January 6, 2025, the International Exhibition ‘100 Presepi in Vaticano’ - 100 Cribs at the Vatican has returned for its seventh year.
The exhibition brings together works created by artists from all over the world, who have expressed their creativity in producing Nativity scenes.
Housed under the left Colonnade of Bernini, in St Peter’s Square in Rome, the exhibition is set up in what is now its traditional home.
This year, 125 nativity scenes will be exhibited, coming from various European countries, such as France, San Marino, Croatia, Poland, Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and from other parts of the world, such as the United States, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Brazil, Mali, Japan,
Philippines, Taiwan, and Paraguay.
The nativity scenes display the inspiration and imagination of the artists who have created them - using very different materials, such as Japanese paper, silk, resin, polystyrene, wool, coconut and banana fibre and glass.
Not to be missed, are the cribs from the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro, made with natural materials, including coconut and banana fibre and a Neapolitan-style nativity scene, made with wood and bark by the Caserta section of the Italian Union of the Blind.
The Exhibition, entry to which is free, will be open every day from 10am to 7.30pm, except on December 24 and December 31, when the closing time will be brought forward to 5pm.
Abandoned village now buzzing
Marc Menendez-Roche
A DERELICT Spanish village, complete with houses and a Romanesque church, was snapped up by a Dutch couple for just €350,000, and now it’s gearing up for a fresh start as two new families join the adventure.
It’s been over a year since Dutch couple Maaike Geurts and Tibor Strausz took on the ambitious task of reviving Bárcena de Bureba, a forgotten village in Burgos abandoned for more than 40 years. Left in ruins, the village had been ravaged by time and looters, leaving no water, electricity, or hope in sight. But the couple had other ideas.
Their vision? An eco-village where sustainability meets community. Solar panels now light up the stone houses, and a system purifies river water to make it drinkable. Paulownia trees, famed for their speedy growth and ability to
rejuvenate soil, are being planted, potentially turning into a renewable wood supply for the project. Talk about turning over a new leaf!
At a recent gathering in Amsterdam, Maaike and Tibor’s dream got a big boost. Four families attended their pitch, with two confirming they’ll move to the village in 2025. The couple’s dream of an eco-community is
starting to take shape, with new faces ready to bring life back to the village.
Bárcena de Bureba isn’t just about sustainability; it’s becoming a cultural hotspot too. In September, the village hosted a poetry festival that drew hundreds of visitors. From crumbling ruins to a thriving social hub, this Burgos beauty is getting a second wind.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes.
Romanesque church of Barcena de Bureba, the abandoned town of Burgos, in Castilla y Leon.
Credit: Shutterstock, David Paniagua
Sleeping judge
AN unusual legal decision was reached by the Court of Appeal in the Swedish town of Jönköpin after a judge was accused of falling asleep.
Although he denies it strongly, because it appears impos sible to prove whether he was simply resting his eyes or contem plating the case, there was sufficient evidence to bring his actions into question.
For this reason, two men who had been sentenced to four years imprisonment for serious weapons offences have seen the result of the trial quashed and they will face a completely new trial, without the previous judge being involved.
The defence case at the appeal was very direct and the prisoner’s lawyers explained that “The chairman sat further with his head down and closed eyes during parts of the main proceedings and appeared very tired” according to NA.
Additionally, the lawyers stated that at one point during the trial there
was total silence when one of the
cutors addressed the judge.
The overall submission was that it was clear that at certain times during the trial, the judge was clearly asleep and therefore the verdict and sentences should never have been reached.
In granting the appeal, the Göta Court of Appeal, conceded that it was not possible to determine whether the judge fell asleep or not, but that the judge was “in any case inattentive during such a time and in such a way that the court’s judicial capacity was breached.”
prose -
Credit: Efrem Efre Pexels
The Göta Court of Appeal is one of six such courts in Sweden.
Baltic Express
AS part of the European Community press to take traffic off the roads and away from airports, use of rail travel is being promoted across member states.
One of the priorities is to see more cross border rail journeys and from Sunday December 15, a new rail connection will see the launch of the so called Baltic Express which will run from the capital of the Czech Republic to Gdańsk in Poland.
The entire journey will take around nine hours as there will be at least nine stops within Poland but priced at around €75, this seems to be good value for money.
It is intended that there will be four daily departures, three during the day and one at night but as yet, no agreement has been reached with
the Czech Railway concerning the addition of any form of sleeping car for the evening journey so despite its long route, passengers will have no option but to make do with seats.
A restaurant car will be available to travellers but will only be in service on the Polish section of the route.
This new service is
one of 505 long-distance connections offered by the Polish State Railways and is an increase of 10 per cent over the previous year.
Other routes planned will see one in particular that runs from the border with Ukraine in the southeastern part of Poland, to the northernmost areas along the Baltic Sea coast.
Advance advertising for launch of the Baltic Express.
Credit: Polish State Railways
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Murky waters
THAMES WATER warned that unless it secures £3 billion (€3.6 billion) in emergency funding it will run out of cash by March 2025. The UK’s biggest water supplier admitted that its net debts had grown to £15.8 billion (€19.2 billion) over its last half-year, compared with £14.7 billion for the same period last year.
Deal off
FRENCH sporting goods
retailer Decathlon put on hold its plans, announced in July, of acquiring Suma Capital’s 30 per cent holding in Tradeinn, Spain’s network of online sports equipment shops. “We are not interested in having them as partners,” Tradeinn’s chief executive David Martin said on December 11.
Harrods strike
NINETY-FIVE per cent of Harrods staff voted in favour of striking on December 21, 22 and 26 in a dispute over pay and perks. Unions said shop assistants, restaurant staff and cleaners all agreed that industrial action was their only option after Harrods management had refused to “recognise or engage in” negotiations.
No change
UVESCO, owner of the BM supermarket chain, remains in the hands of French private equityfirm,PaiPartners,which rejected Carrefour’s recent offer. Pai Partners bought a 70 per cent stake in Uvesco in 2020, with the remainder belonging to the Fernandez de Barrena family which founded the Basque chain.
HSBC cull
HSBC’s new chief executive George Elhedery intends to cut costs by $3 billion (€2.85 billion) by sacking hundreds of employees as part of a farreaching revamp. According to Bloomberg, managers learnt details of the overhaul which sets out to reduce HSBC’s $32.6 billion (€31 billion) overheads by 10 per cent.
STAT OF WEEK
€4.45 billion
net profit for Zara-owner Inditex between February and October 31, an increase of 8.5 per cent on the same period in 2023 but slightly below forecasts.
Boots sale in the air
WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE (WBA), owner of Boots the Chemist, is said to be in talks centring on a possible Sycamore Partners takeover.
Sycamore, which formerly held a stake in the UK shoe and handbag brand Kurt Geiger, has also made several unsuccessful bids for the Ted Baker fashion label in the past.
A deal with the US private equity giant could put a $10 billion (€9.5 billion) price on WBA, whose value has slumped from approximately $100 billion (€95.2 billion) in 2015 to its present $7.5 billion (€7.14 billion).
Sale rumours that were first reported in The Wall Street Journal had boosted shares by more than 20 per cent at close of business on December 10.
Sky News reported on December 11 that should the deal go ahead, Sycamore was likely to seek separate ownership for Boots, which WBA acquired in 2014 for $4.9 billion
THE Spanish government is selling some of its CaixaBank shares, insiders revealed.
The state became a CaixaBank shareholder via its €22.4 billion Bankia bailout during the 2012 crisis, followed by Bankia’s subsequent €4.3 billion Caixabank merger in 2020.
CaixaBank now has a €39 billion market value.
The sale would be minimal, but still expected to bring in between €75 and €100 million, the same sources continued, as the government does not wish to increase its holding which
(€4.6 billion).
The familiar UK high street chain, founded in 1849, currently has around 1,900 stores and employs 52,000 people.
The WBA’s chairman, Italian dealmaker Stefano Pessina, has been involved in several major transactions involving Boots that fell through after offers from parties including Apollo Global Management
were regarded as too low.
Pessina is expected to play a central role in any divestment of Boots, Sky News said, quoting a source who predicted that Pessina, owner of a WBA stake of around 17 per cent, “was likely to end up as Boots’ principal shareholder.”
This would be conditioned by the structure of the Sycamore deal, the source added.
Government business
has risen from the original 16.1 per cent through buybacks.
Buybacks are a common practice parallel to dividends where banks reduce share capital by buying their own shares, which gives investors both a larger stake in the company and a higher return on future dividends. This has increased the government’s CaixaBank holding to 18 per cent, a stake which it does not wish to continue growing.
SUPERMARKETS’ premium mince pies will cost up to 40 per cent more this Christmas thanks to the soaring cost of sultanas.
Two years of bad harvests in Turkey, the world’s largest sultana-grower, drove prices up to $4,060 (€3,864) a ton in July, compared to the $1,550 (€1,475) average per ton for 2022.
Although sultana prices have now fallen to $3,600 (€3,426) a ton, according to Expana Benchmark Prices, the reduction arrived too late to make a noticeable difference to the UK’s mince pie manufacturing sector.
UNIQLO will open a third store in Madrid next spring and also announced plans for further expansion outside the Spanish capital. This will be the seventh Spanish store for the Japanese fashion brand owned by Fast Retailing whose global sales place it third after Inditex and Swedish label H&M.
Uniqlo’s market value, however, place it second only to Galicia-based Inditex.
The new Madrid store will be located in the central and upmarket Paseo de la Castellano in a building that also houses Ireland-based multinational, Accenture.
HOPES of selling the City skyscraper, known as the Can of Ham owing to its shape, have fallen through.
Prospective buyer Blackstone had been talking to Nuveen, owner of the office block whose official address is 70 St Mary Axe, and was willing to pay £300 million (€364.5 million).
Nuveen, asset management arm of TIAA, the US pension fund, was unwilling to go below its £322 million (€391.2) asking price.
GRUPO DIA supermarkets has signed a refinancing agreement with 10 unnamed banks and investors for €885 million.
The retailer has undertaken to repay this within a period of between three and five years.
This substitutes the syndicated loan taken out in late 2018 when the group was immersed in an internal crisis, and which was refinanced in 2021 during recapitalisation.
Spain’s National Stock Market Commission (CNMV) revealed that Dia will use €755 million for early repayment of the outstanding balance due on the syndicated loan and redeeming 2017 bonds that mature in 2026.
Dia will also settle a €7 million bilateral loan with one of its creditors, the CNMV said.
CYVN Holdings, managed by Abu Dhabi’s trillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund, bought British supercar manufacturer McLaren in a deal overseen by the Emirate’s crown prince.
McLaren, previously owned by Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s state-owned holding company, posted a record annual loss of £924 million (€1.12 billion) in 2023, compared with a £349 million (€424 million) shortfall in 2022.
Mumtalakat has repeatedly needed to pump in tens of millions of pounds to keep the carmaker afloat, The Telegraph said on December 11.
The holding company is selling McLaren’s automotive business but retains control of McLaren’s racing brand, which CYVN enters as a minority shareholder.
NOW that Nestle’s contract with Coca Cola to produce and distribute Nestea in Spain has expired, the iced tea will be produced by Damm.
The Catalan company has already begun manufacturing the full range of Nestea varieties at its Salem (Valencia) plant and will start marketing them in Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra on January 1. Meanwhile, Coca Cola launched a rival, Fuze Tea, in September which it claims “has the same bottle and flavour that consumers know and love.”
CARLOS CUERPO: Economy minister revealed ‘minimal’ sale of Caixabank shares.
BOOTS: Could be sold by owners Walgreens Boots Alliance.
3I Group 3.657,00 3.667,00 3.640,00 14,82K Admiral Group 2.655,0 2.658,0 2.651,0 4,14K Airtel Africa 107,26 107,50 106,90 56,84K Anglo American 2.462,0 2.471,0 2.455,3 65,16K Antofagasta 1.677,00 1.689,00 1.674,50 41,68K Ashtead Group 5.200,0 5.220,0 5.184,0 41,03K Associated British Foods 2.135,0 2.135,0 2.127,2 23,25K
10.550,0 10.570,0 10.508,0 42,63K Auto Trader Group Plc 817,60 817,80 815,40 20,02K Aviva 473,90 476,61 473,00 293,13K
B&M European Value Retail SA 366,40 371,70 366,40 62,06K
British American Tobacco 2.991,0 2.996,0 2.984,0 83,32K BT Group 151,55 151,80 151,00 778,58K
3.586,0 3.620,0 3.550,0 53,22K
130,05 131,05 129,77 173,54K
2.784,0 11,57K
2.662,00 2.669,00 2.657,00 62,81K
Group 232,60 234,40 232,60 59,94K
Intl 3.420,0 3.436,0 3.418,0 4,4K
5.360,0 5.435,0 5.350,0 18,03K
2.610,5
BUSINESS EXTRA
Rock
steady BLACKROCK, the US asset manager, arrived in Spain 30 years ago where its investments have reached €69 billion. It is a majority shareholder in several Ibex 35 companies, although investments are always made via funds and always in the name of its clients.
It’ll cost you
AN average UK family will spend around £32.57 (€39.54) on their Christmas dinner this year, according to Kantar. The higher cost of ingredients has pushed up prices by £2 (€2.43) or 6.5 per cent, the grocery data experts said.
ASHSTEAD GROUP, one of the UK’s leading FTSE 100 companies is switching its listing from London to New York.
The move that will take between 12 and 18 months to complete dealt a new blow to the London Stock Exchange (LSE), which has seen 45 companies decamp so far this year.
Ashstead, valued at £27 billion (€32.8 billion), rents out industrial equipment and was founded in Ashstead (Surrey) in 1947. It was first listed in the UK in 1986.
Since the beginning
Leaving London
Trawlers all at sea
AFTER long drawn-out negotiations, European Union member states reached agreement on trawling in the Mediterranean.
After an outcry from Spain, Italy and France, the European Commission backtracked on previous plans to allow trawlers to go out for only 27 days each year, which all three countries predicted would sink the industry.
The trawlers can now return to last
year’s 130-day quota, so long as boats commit to fishing sustainably.
Javier Garat, the Spanish Fishing Confederation’s secretary general, hailed the agreement as a “new chapter” for the sector, but warned that regulations were complex.
They required close analysis, Garat said, adding that not all boats would be able to comply with all the sustainability requirements.
of this century, the company has enlarged its US operations and most of its employees and executives are now based in South Carolina where it trades as Sunbelt Rentals, the second-largest equipment rental business in the country.
The North American market was Ashstead’s “natural, long-term listing venue” now that 98 per cent of its profits came from the other side of the Atlantic, the company said.
The departure from London was in the company’s best interests, giving access to “deeper US capital markets” while aligning the location of most of its business with its listing location, it added.
Meanwhile, Ashstead will retain a listing in the UK, although this would be on the LSE’s international companies’ segment.
Crying shame
MIKE ASHLEY, whose Frasers Group owns 28 per cent of the fashion group Boohoo, described its founder as an “egotist” who had run the online retailer “into the ground.” Ashley, who hopes for a seat on Boohoo board, pointed out that the firm’s shares had fallen 90 per cent in the last five years.
BASQUE steel company Sidenor would pay €4 per share for Trilantic’s 29.9 per cent holding in train-maker Talgo, compared to the €5 that Hungarian consortium Ganz-Mavag’s offered in a takeover bid vetoed by Spain’s government. Trilantic, Talgo’s majority shareholder, rejected Sidenor’s offer although this valued its holding at €148.13 million compared to the stock market’s current €131.1 million.
ASHSTEAD GROUP: Plant hire company will list in the US, not London.
Photo credit: Ashstead Group
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
PRIOR of course to the horrendous storm incident, which mentally and I still believe physically, took me to the portals of death on my flight back to Mallorca last week, I had been visiting my old haunting ground of Londonthe city I resided in for over 30 years. I can honestly say my once favourite metropolis has now developed all the appearances of utter disaster.
I simply couldn’t believe that its Mayor Sadiq Khan has been recommended for a Knighthood! Frankly I’m convinced the majority of individuals who reside in the city, particularly those who conduct vehicles, would rather see him removed.
The whole place, particularly its highways, are an unmitigated disaster.
On Wednesday we set out from Fulham West London to traverse across the city to Sadlers Wells theatre, a journey which would normally take some 45 minutes. It took us over two hours and wasn’t even during the rush hour! Roads that used to be almost pleasu-
rable and fairly easy to negotiate are now jammed with traffic squeezed between cycle lanes that are virtually devoid of bikers, which, when they do materialise, sail past solidly jammed traffic at what appears to be a rate they should actually be arrested for. In many areas lorries and cars are of course now restricted to 20 miles an hour, which means precisely nothing, because for most of your journey you are lucky to get above two!
Vehicles are no longer allowed to ease the crush by negotiating the back roads as the fines for doing so can amount to as much as £140.
Periodically you squeeze past the ‘parkettes’, wooden constructions which jut into the road creating ridiculous seating areas which even cyclists have to navigate by walking out into the traffic.
I saw precisely no one using these areas to rest in, which didn’t surprise me, because the fumes from billowing exhausts and sitting to gaze inward at often boarded up shop windows really wasn’t the relaxing opportunity most people would jump at. Except of course the beggars and down and outs who now abound on many of Lon-
It’s an utter disaster
don’s pavements in Khan’s wonderful city of the future. As for the bridges over the Thames, they simply defy the imagination.
Hammersmith bridge, linking Barnes as a main route, has been closed for FIVE years. Putney Bridge has been full of chaotic road works for three months. Wandsworth bridge, another main artery, which used to have two lanes on either side, now has a bicycle lane and a bus lane on both sides thus cutting it down to two congested single lanes in the middle of the bridge.
There are now major roadworks all over London, bringing traffic in many places to a complete standstill. And they want to give the main instigator of all this a Knighthood!
Thank the Lord, I left it all over 40 years past. My views would have probably have found me jailed aeons ago. Most of these situations are of course those that arise when the low intellect woke brigade gain a foothold - and they are now everywhere. Stay alert.
Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
Most Instagrammable
TITAN Travel’s recent analysis has identified the European cities leading social media in 2024 and predicted the destinations that could dominate in 2025.
According to the Social Travel Index, which measures TikTok and Instagram posts, Google searches, and trending interest, the most popular cities to tag this year were all in Europe.
Nice, France, unexpectedly claimed the top spot, followed by London, UK, as the second most popular city, which also ranked as the world’s most Instagrammed destination. Paris, the host city for the upcoming Olympics, took third place.
Looking ahead to 2025, the study analysed Instagram post growth between 2023 and 2024 to predict which destinations might see a surge in tags.
Among the trending cities, Palma de Mallorca in Spain stood out, receiving over three million Instagram posts in 2024. The Balearic Island capital is admired for its stunning beaches and architectural highlights, though it has also been a focus of protests against over-tourism.
Rhodes in Greece is another standout, predicted to become the fifth most popular city next year after an 8 per cent increase in Instagram tags. The island remains a photogenic favourite, known for its medieval charm and rugged coastlines.
INTERVIEW
Ion and Aliona’s journey to Sotogrande
Ion And Aliona Vrabie, founders of Challenge Jet Charter, (private jet and helicopter charters) made their dream move from the UK to Sotogrande, Spain, in September 2023, seeking a sunnier and more fulfilling lifestyle with their two young boys.
ORIGINALLY from Moldova, the Vrabies were drawn to Spain’s weather, active lifestyle, and vibrant community. “The main reason was weather, longer days, good food, and living a more active life with energetic children,” they explained.
Life in Spain has been rewarding, thou gh not without challenges. Adjusting to the slower pace and navigating local paperwork took patience. Language has also been a hurdle, but their children are thriving in a local Spanish school.
One highlight has been the community. “We’ve made more connections here in a year than in 10 years in the UK,” Ion shared. Events and networ-
king in Sotogrande have introduced them to people from several countries across Europe.
Transitioning their private jet business wasn’t easy, but the proximity to Gibraltar and Malaga airports has been ideal for their VIP clients. While they miss family in Moldova and some UK conveniences, Sotogrande currently offers the perfect balance of business and family life.
Contact Challenge Jet Charter Centro Comercial Sotovila 4, Local 33, 11311 Sotogrande, Cadiz
Tel: 658 550 292
| fly@challengejet charter.com
| www.challengejetchar ter.com
Villefranche sur Mer between Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera, Cote d’Azur, France.
Image: Armando Oliveira / Shutterstock.com
Aliona and Ion Vrabie.
Credit: Themselves.
STARTING next year, Portugal will ban mobile phones for students in grades 1 to 6, as announced by Education, Science, and Innovation Minister Fernando Alexandre. This decision follows growing concerns about the negative impact of smartphones on children’s development.
While the government has recommended the ban, it will spend this year assessing its effects before fully implementing the measure in 2025.
Phone ban
Schools will have the flexibility to decide how to enforce the ban, and this move reflects a wider European trend to limit smartphone use in schools due to evidence of harm caused by too much screen time.
The recommendation, introduced in September, was initially voluntary for schools.
Santa took a Brussels tram
BRUSSELS transportation company MIVB is embracing the Christmas spirit by putting a specially decorated (inside and out) tram into operation on six lines.
This tram has been really decked out with all of the decorations and trimmings and even the interior is festive as well as having specially created mood lighting.
Unlike the Czech Republic, for example, where Prague has a large number of differently decorated Christmas trams, Brussels is a bit more conservative but it has learned from negative observations which were received in 2023.
At that time it had one tram running on just one line, so it has learned its lesson and is now operating on six different lines to give more people a chance to enjoy a bit of Christmas fun whilst travelling across the Belgian capital.
For those who want to
own a souvenir of the ride or want to buy a different Christmas gift, there is a pop-up store at the Redgier metro station offering miniature trams for sale and on Saturday December 21, it can be gift wrapped in unique STIB-MIVB wrapping paper.
The really important news however is that on Wednesday December 18, Father Christmas decided to take a trip on the
Christmas tram on line 92 and between 12.30pm and 3.30pm passengers had the chance to have their photo taken with Father Christmas whilst his elf handed out candy canes to children.
The Brussels Christmas tram runs until January 10, but that’s not the only celebration as metro stations will be playing Christmas music on December 24 and 25.
A recent study showed that many students, especially in grades 5 and 6, spend over four hours a week on screens.
For example, 12th-grade students average nearly five hours per day, while fifth-graders use screens for almost three hours daily.
Minister Alexandre also acknowledged that many families are unaware of the impact of smartphones on education and children’s well-being. The government plans to provide guidelines to help families manage smartphone use to reduce its negative effects on children’s learning and development.
He also suggested that how schools handle mobile phone use will guide families in managing the issue at home.
Diamond faceted store
TIFFANY & CO has been acknowledged a world leader in the design of jewellery and other items for more than a century.
Rather than sit on its laurels, it continues to change with the times and has been creating new exterior and interior designs for its stores situated throughout the world.
The latest example has been constructed in Stuttgart’s Dorotheen Quarter and represents yet another example in a series of innovative designs inspired by its history.
Although a Dutch based company of architects, the MVRDV group’s German based designers have created a façade composed of hand-crafted ceramic elements shaped like diamonds, which are mounted seamlessly onto a glass storefront to give the impression of floating.
The façade consists of 2,829 ceramic diamonds, each individually cast and
mounted to the storefront using bespoke steel fixings. These diamonds are attached to both sides of the glass, creating an immersive experience that surrounds visitors in a surreal atmosphere of floating jewels.
The arrangement of the diamonds varies in density to balance transparency and opacity; for example, around display windows and at the building’s corner, the diamonds thin out, allowing clear views into and out of the store.
Each diamond is made using a slip-casting method, a traditional ceramic technique that allows for precise shaping and the diamonds are then glazed in one of nine custom colours, forming a gradient that transitions from Tiffany’s iconic robin’s-egg blue to pristine white
TAKING a great selfie is more about confidence and preparation than perfect angles. Follow these tips to feel amazing in every snap:
Find Your Light: Natural light is your best
friend. Position yourself near a window or outdoors to soften shadows and highlight your features. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, which can create unflattering shadows.
Know Your Angles: Experiment to discover your most flattering angles. Slightly tilting your head or holding the camera slightly above eye level can make a big difference.
Prep Your Skin: Hydrated, glowing skin is selfie-ready. Use a lightweight moisturiser or a subtle highlighter to add a natural glow.
Relax Your Face: A genuine smile always beats a forced one. Take a deep breath, relax your face, and let your natural charm shine through.
Cropped elegance
SHORT hair can be effortlessly chic, but some may wonder how to give it a softer, more feminine vibe. With a little creativity, your short haircut can exude elegance and style.
Start with your cut. Adding soft layers, a side-swept fringe, or textured ends can create a gentler look. These elements frame the face beautifully and add a touch of playfulness. For pixie cuts or bobs, a slightly tousled texture can balance sharp lines with softness.
Enhance, Don’t Overdo: Use filters or editing sparingly to enhance, not alter, your features. Embrace your authentic self - it’s what makes your selfies uni-
With these tips, you’ll look and feel confident in every selfie!
Styling is key. Use accessories like headbands, barrettes, or decorative clips to instantly enhance femininity. A silk scarf tied as a headband or woven into your hair adds a romantic flair. Experiment with curling irons or styling tools to create loose waves or defined curls for special occasions.
Make-up can also complement short hair. Bold lips or soft, glowing skin paired with defined eyes can elevate your overall look.
Lastly, embrace confidence! Feminine energy is more about how you carry yourself than the length of your hair. Wear your short style with pride, and it will radiate elegance and charm.
Balanced festive feast
A TRADITIONAL Christmas dinner can be surprisingly nutritious when prepared thoughtfully, with a mix of wholesome ingredients. Staples like roasted turkey, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and even gravy contribute
nutrients, but moderation and preparation methods make all the difference.
Turkey, the centrepiece, is an excellent source of lean protein and essential vitamins like B6 and niacin. Avoid the
skin to reduce saturated fat intake. Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and boosting immunity. Parsnips add a natural sweetness and are high in potassium and soluble fibre, which benefits heart health.
Potatoes, often served as roasties, can be a healthy carbohydrate source - just go easy on the oil or butter. Gravy, made from meat drippings, adds flavour but is often high in sodium and fat. Opt for a home-made version to control the ingredients.
While indulgent additions like stuffing and pigs in blankets should be enjoyed in moderation, the variety of vegetables and lean protein makes this festive feast balanced and satisfying. A few tweaks can make it both delicious and good for you!
Outdated ideals Weathering well
AS we move toward 2025, it’s time to let go of outdated beauty standards that no longer serve us- or anyone. The idea of a single ‘ideal’ look, often rooted in narrow definitions of beauty, has excluded countless people from feeling seen, valued, and celebrated.
One of the standards to ditch is the obsession with ‘perfect’ skin. Filters and airbrushed ads have set unattainable expectations, making people feel their natural texture, pores, and scars are flaws. In reality, healthy skin comes in many forms, and embracing individuality is far more empowering.
Another beauty ideal to leave behind is body shape trends. The notion that
one specific figure - whether super slim, curvy, or athletic - is ‘in’ ignores that bodies are meant to be diverse and unique. It’s time to celebrate health and confidence in all sizes.
Lastly, we should move beyond rigid standards that prioritise specific features, such as perfectly symmetrical faces or flawless proportions. These ideals perpetuate unrealistic expectations and overshadow the beauty found in uniqueness and character.
In 2025, let’s champion inclusivity, self-expression, and authenticity - leaving behind the pressure to conform and embracing the beauty of being yourself.
COLD weather can take a toll on your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and irritated. Proper care during these months is essential to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Start by switching to a gentle, hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping na tural oils. Follow up with a rich moisturi ser containing ingre dients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in hydration. Apply sunscreen daily, even in winter, as UV rays can sti ll damage your skin. Use a humidifier in doors to combat the dryness caused by heating systems, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from within.
non-irritating fabrics like cotton or silk. For hands and lips, which are particularly vulnerable, use thick hand creams and lip balms. Avoid long, hot showers, as they can dry out your skin. Instead, use lukewarm water and pat your skin dry gently. With these steps, you can maintain healthy, resilient skin all winter long.
Protect your skin from harsh winds by wearing scarves or masks and opt for
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers
Costa del Sol Estepona garden pride
ESTEPONA Council, for the fifth time, has received the highest award given by the ‘Andalucía en Flor’ awards, presented by the Multisectoral Association of Andalucian Gardening (AMJA) to towns that are committed to green management and the health of their citizens, an award recognising sustainable policies and environmentally-friendliness.
The western Costa del Sol town has been honoured for its positive evolution with regard to the extension and quality of its green areas, for the implementation of specific plans and measures aimed at sustainability, giving special emphasis to the rational use of water, phytosanitary treatments, and the management of green waste, soils and substrates.
Estepona is considered among the greenest towns in Andalucia for its management in urban green infrastructure, environmental awareness of its citizens, as well as for its sustainability.
Axarquia Putting people first
RINCON DE LA VICTORIA’S 2025 Budget amounting to €57.24 million is its biggest ever and 3.47 per cent more than 2023’s.
Outlining the town’s economic plans for next year, Rincon de la Victoria mayor Francisco Salados, accompanied by Finance councillor Antonio Lopez, declared that the local government would, as always, put people and their needs first.
“We shall have the backs of the most vulnerable, going in the same direction we took seven years ago to improve people’s day-to-day lives but also embarking on large-scale projects,” Salado said.
It was essential to respond to the demands of the local population, he added. With this in mind, the mayor announced that there would be increased allocations for Social Services, Transport, Public Safety, Mobility and Sport, while also stressing that next year’s Budget would be balanced between income and expenditure.
Mallorca Green flag for autonomos
AT last, the self-employed (autonomos) in the Balearics are receiving some good news.
It’s not quite a company Christmas hamper, but it’s close. Margalida Prohens, President of the Govern de les Illes Balears, has unveiled the 2025 aid plan for the self-employed, aiming to support the islands’ economy.
The aid, strengthened by the positive results of 2024, will include programmes for the consolidation of the autonomo and the Cuota Cero (reduced flat rate of the Social Security monthly payment) initiative.
The consolidation programme focuses on innovation, digitalisation, sustainability, and competitiveness. It has a budget of €1 million, and applications can be submitted from January 1 to March 31, 2025.
This scheme has a budget of €1,400,000 for 2025 and 2026 and the information from previous grants can be checked on.
Costa Blanca North A sprinkle of Xmas joy
IT’S been seven weeks since the devastating DANA impacted Valencia, and the road to recovery remains challenging for many residents still trying to regain some sense of normality. In the wake of this tragedy, fundraising has taken place through various events hosted at The Irish Tavern, Justabar both in Albir, and Buddies Bar in Benidorm, among others.
Wishing to spread some Christmas cheer and sprinkle a little joy to those who need it more than most this year, one of the coordinators. Sharon Bell (Coffee 4 All Homeless Support) joined Jonny Elraiz from City Streets Community Project on a very special trip to Catarroja, one of the badly affected towns.
They went along to deliver much-needed supplies and to give touching Christmas gifts to both adults and children. For the adults, the Justabar knitting group created 100 hats for men and women.
Almeria
Singing for smiles
IT was all smiles and singalongs at La Inmaculada Hospital in Huércal-Overa on December 12, as the All Aloud community choir capped off a busy year with a concert to remember. This festive event, held to support the hospital’s children’s ward, brought together patients, staff, children, and the choir for a cheerful musical morning. All Aloud performed a mix of Spanish favourites and well-known classics, and it didn’t take long for the audience to join in. The children then took their turn, singing their hearts out for the choir, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. The hospital thanked the choir in style, presenting musical director Donna Walker with flowers and a special presentation piece that read, ‘Thank you for fulfilling dreams in paediatrics, for your altruism, your desire to help, and your enthusiasm.’ It’s been a year of giving back for All Aloud, from the laughter to the spontaneous singalongs, it’s safe to say this wasn’t just a performance, it was a celebration of community and joy.
Costa Calida Panto gives back
AFTER enjoying a festive Christmas lunch with the staff and students at Afemar, pantomime producer Eric Berg and scriptwriter Jane Cronin were pleased to present a donation of €2,000. The funds were raised during this year’s performance of Snow White and the Seven Guiris, a crowd-pleasing production that brought laughter to the Mar Menor community.
Afemar is a local association dedicated to supporting people with mental health challenges. Their day centre provides a wide range of services, including family support, specialised help for children and young people, and various projects aimed at promoting integration and understanding. This donation will help Afemar continue its vital work, which makes a real difference to many lives. To learn more about their efforts, visit afemar.org.
Meanwhile, the Adapt Theatre Group is already looking ahead to next year’s show.
PETS
Fresh furry fix
ELIMINATING stinky pet smells can transform your home into a fresh and welcoming space. Start by grooming your pet regularly and cleaning their bedding often to prevent odours from building up.
For immediate odour control, baking soda is a household hero. Sprinkle it on carpets, rugs, and
upholstery, letting it sit for a few hours before vacuuming thoroughly.
Baking soda effectively absorbs and neutralises pet smells. Apple cider vinegar is another powerful natural deodoriser. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist areas where odours lin-
Ruby likes staying home with the dog-sitter
RUBY is a friendly dog, and loves company. She also prefers staying at home when her owner Sarah leaves for holidays. We are often looking for pet lovers to join us as house and pet-sitters to look after pets like Ruby in their own home.
Would you like to care for pets in new and exciting locations? We have house-sits in the UK, Spain, in Europe and further afield.
HouseSitMatch Saves You Money - Pet-sitting is Free
If you use HouseSitMatch you find free checked petsitters who pay their way to stay in your home caring for your pets young and old in your absence. It’s a house-sitting arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet-sitting works as an exchange of services - Free accommodation for free pet care!
HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked
All members are checked for safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence.
Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed
All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets.
If you’re travelling in 2025 join now and get organised today:
1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch. com
ger. This solution breaks down the odour-causing bacteria without using harsh chemicals. Additionally, ensure good ventilation by opening windows to let in fresh air. Consistent cleaning routines and these natural remedies will help keep your home smelling clean and pleasant, even with furry friends around.
Could you care for Ruby in her own home?
2. Join for as little as £89/€99 per year
3. Create a profile with photos of your pets and home
4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.
How does it work?
Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.
Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent
We’ve used HouseSitMatch for the last few years to find caring pet-sitters for our family of pets. It’s been a great experience; the sitters are caring and we’ve made some wonderful friends through the process.
Pat Creighton, Pet owner.
How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com
Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation! Reader exclusive offer - 20% Off Any New Membership Register as either house-sitter or homeowner. Get a 20% discount - Use coupon code PERFECT20.
RONA
BUILDERS
BLINDS
POOLS
Appealing a fine
STATISTICALLY, only 3 to 4 per cent of drivers appeal a traffic fine; the rest opt for hassle-free prompt payment (within 20 days) and a 50 per cent reduction. But it wasn’t always like that. Nowadays, most just pay up.
Carlos, a caretaker in Madrid, received a fine of €90 for slightly exceeding the 50-kilometre speed limit. He decided to claim in writing to the DGT (government department for road traffic) by requesting a report on when the speed camera in question was last calibrated. It turned out the calibration had been 13 days past its due date. His fine was annulled.
What to do when a speeding fine arrives.
lights or a stop sign, or using a phone while driving, a fine can be contested.
Whether a fine is for speeding, jumping traffic
If information is missing or there is an error on the document, if the road had potholes, or a lack of signalling, it can be considered valid circumstances to win an appeal if all evidence is presented. Although lodging an appeal will cancel out the 50 per cent offer.
The first thing to do is call your insurance company. Many vehicle insurance policies today come with a service for appealing fines. They study the feasibility of a claim and appeal on your behalf.
Appeals can be made to the DGT online, in person at a DGT office, or in writing. Or in the case of the Local Police issuing the fine, at the local town hall.
Icons of Porsche
THE fourth Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai surpassed expectations, attracting 28,000 attendees to the Dubai Design District for a weekend full of excitement and community engagement. The event welcomed a wide range of Porsche enthusiasts, including prominent figures from the brand’s world. Porsche Chairman Oliver Blume, attending for the second time, emphasised the festival’s power to unite people across generations and continents through a shared love of Porsche sports cars. The event buzzed with cultural exhibitions, live art, music, and entertainment, along with food stalls from popular Dubai restaurants, including the DRVN by Porsche café.
ROAD TEST
By Mark Slack
THERE is quite an art to successfully managing history and pedigree into a modern incarnation and nowhere more than in the automotive indus try. Some car makers manage it very successfully and one such manufacturer is BMW. It took an original car and created a highly popular mo dern interpretation the MINI. While the MINI may not be anywhe re near as mini as it used to be there are a lot of nods to its heritage, yet the line-up encapsula tes the best of mo dern car technology and many buyers all over the world seem to agree judging by its po pularity.
The latest range includes full EVs in addition to petrol engines and all-wheel-drive with a wide range of body styles. One of the new models is the Aceman all electric with pricing from €38,339/£31,800 for the Classic trim level, €40,992/£34,000 for the Exclusive and €43,767/£36,300 for the Sport version. There are E and SE levels within each model
MINI Aceman –premium EV fun
ve with both front seats having height adjustment. As with all modern cars the touchscreen tech and apps can feel a bit daunting but regular use brings familiarity. The system is also one of the more intuitive ones too.
includes such items as LED lights, Bluetooth, Apple Car Play, folding, heated and dimming mirrors, heated seats and steering wheel, navigation and air conditioning. As the trim levels move the standard equipment levels rise and there is a myriad of
The interior feels different and pre mium, compared to many rivals of similar pricing.
A nod to the original Mini’s interior is immediately visible with the large round central display screen, the seats are comfortable and supporti -
On the road the Aceman is terrific fun thanks to its handling and performance. Although not overtly fast in terms of top speed it nonetheless reaches the benchmark 100kph/62 mph in a whisker under eight seconds for the lowest powered version, that develops 184 hp, 7.1 seconds for the 218 hp and just 6.4 seconds for the 258 hp John Cooper
Range is always an issue with any EV and MINI has made great strides in this regard with the lead-in model giving 309km/192 miles and a much more useable 404km/251 miles for the mid-range SE versions. Style aside, which is always a subjective matter, I suspect few would find much to complain about in the way the Aceman drives, and if you remain to be convinced by EVs there is a generous petrol engine range of MINIs available.
UEFA (Union of European Football Associations), like so many other international sporting bodies was created in Switzerland following discussions between the Belgian, French and Italian Associations in 1954.
A total of 31 Associations are credited as being founder members and since then this has grown to more than 50 European countries following the break up of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.
Working on the concept, ‘the more the merrier’, UEFA has let in minnows such as Gibraltar and San Marino and has created a number of money making competitions so that every member Association has a chance to hit the big time.
Initially, it was all about the men, but now the growth of interest in women’s football has given UEFA a reason to push the promotion of the female teams as well and it has announced that for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 competition it will increase the prize money to €41 million, more than double that made available for the 2022 competition which England won.
Participating national associations will now also distribute a guaranteed percentage of the rewards (between 30 and 40 per cent) to their players for the
More money in women’s football
first time.
Club benefit payments will increase to €6 million, compensating European clubs that release players for the tournament, making it the highest club benefit programme for women’s football worldwide.
The increased rewards reflect UEFA’s continued commitment to the growth of
Coldplay blocks England match
ENGLAND’S national football squad have just heard that one of their first FIFA World Cup qualifier matches can’t be played at Wembley because of . . . Coldplay.
The Three Lions were expecting one of their opening matches against Andorra to take place on their traditional home pitch at Wembley Stadium. However, it has just been revealed that English pop band Coldplay already have the national stadium block-booked. The team learned who they will come up against on the road to the 2026 World Cup at the draw in Zurich, Switzerland, on December 13. Manager Thomas Tuchel will lead his side out against Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra over various dates in 2025.
Coldplay have Friday, August 22, 2025, until Monday, September 8, booked for their London stop-off, where tickets are going for between €401 and €2,844.
Adding insult to injury, Coldplay don’t even perform on the day of the scheduled Andorra match as they take days off to blow up some more colourful balloons for their next gig, or something like that, on Saturday, September 6.
A few days after their encounter with the team of the tiny Pyrenees country, Thomas Tuchel, who contractually only has one target - to win the 2026 World Cuptakes the squad to face Serbia, the toughest match of the qualifiers.
Perhaps the English pop band will do the right thing by letting their national team start off on the right foot and play Wembley stadium.
113th Tour de France
BARCELONA will host the Grand Départ of the 113th Tour de France on July 4, 2026, marking the race’s historic return to Spain. This will be the second time in four years that Spain hosts the prestigious event, following Bilbao in 2023.
The first three stages of the Tour will take place in Catalonia, with Barcelona playing a pivotal role. This marks the first Spanish Grand Départ since 1992, when Miguel Induráin won the prologue in San Sebastian. Hosting the start
of cycling’s most iconic race highlights Barcelona’s commitment to promoting cycling culture, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and enhancing its international reputation.
Barcelona has deep ties to cycling. While the city has hosted stages of the Tour in 1957, 1965, and 2009, this will be its first time hosting the Grand Départ. The event offers an opportunity for the city to showcase its vibrant cycling scene and attract cycling tourism.
The city paid €9.68 mi-
llion to secure hosting rights, with payments staggered over three years. The Tour’s global broadcast reach - spanning 190 countries - is expected to bring significant economic benefits, particularly to Barcelona’s tourism and cycling industries.
The deal with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) was finalised in June 2023 after years of negotiations. Now, Barcelona is gearing up to host the world’s most prestigious cycling event, promising an unforgettable start to the 2026 Tour.
The Lionesses won the 2022 Euro championships.
Coldplay’s Chris Martin with Balloons / Thomas Tuchel.
